Can I travel abroad with medication?

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24 May 2018 • 12:17pm

With springtime and the bank holiday season finally upon us, thoughts are turning to heading abroad. We all know by now that we have to be careful with the liquids we pack because of hand luggage restrictions, but what about taking medication on planes? And are there any restrictions on taking prescription medication abroad? Checking beforehand is vital to make sure we don’t have any problems at security or if you need to file a travel insurance claim later.

Travelling with medication to Europe

If you’re travelling with prescription medicines, the key thing is to check the rules beforehand to see if what you’re taking is legal where you’re going, even if it’s just passing through a country. Make sure your travel insurance provider is aware of any medical conditions associated with the medications.

Most EU countries will have similar rules but not all. Also, talk to your GP at least two months before you go so you can find out more about whether you need to make any special arrangements.

Can I take prescribed medication on a plane?

There’s no rule against taking basic medicine like tablets, liquid medicine or drops in your hand luggage, and in fact keeping it there ensures it’s with you if you need it. It may however be opened or screened at security.

How to take prescribed medication on a plane

Bring a medical letter

It’s well established now that liquids over 100ml are not allowed in hand luggage, but if you need to take more, make sure you bring a certified prescription or medical letter that proves that you need the medication in that amount.

Can I bring personal medical equipment on a plane?

You can take syringes, inhalers, cooling gel packs and even TENS machines on board if you have documentation as above. Bear in mind you might be asked questions at airport security, so having a copy of the prescription to hand could save you a lot of trouble. With some equipment like oxygen or insulin pumps, it’s probably best to tell the airline in advance.

More tips for taking medication abroad

Pack extra medication to cover emergencies or if you have to stay longer than planned

Split medication between luggage in case one of your bages is lost

Make sure all your medication is in its correct labelled bottle

Find out what your medication is called in the native language of the place you’re travelling to, in case you need a replacement or a top-up.

Taking controlled medication abroad

Controlled medicine basically means prescribed medication that may come under Misuse Of Drugs legislation in Britain, which can include relatively common painkillers like codeine as well as opiate substitutes like tramadol or methadone. If you need to take them out of the country you have to apply for a personal licence at least 10 working days before you go. To get that you’d need a letter from your doctor with the full details of the drug, the dosage and so on.

Check which countries have restrictions

Some controlled medicines and even common medication may be subject to restrictions in certain countries. If you’re going to India, the UAE, Turkey or Hong Kong for example some medication may not be acceptable, and there may even be harsh penalties for flouting the regulations: it’s best to check with the appropriate embassy in the UK.

Medications banned in Spain

For controlled drugs, you need to apply for a Spanish import licence at your nearest Spanish consulate, giving all your travel details. When travelling to Spain, it’s recommended that you bring any prescriptions or medical documents for existing medical conditions (translated into Spanish) to justify why you have this medication with you.

Get the right travel insurance cover

The right travel insurance policy can help cover the cost if you lose or run out of your medication and have to pay for replacements. Most travel insurance policies should cover you for emergency medical and surgical treatment that cannot be delayed, as well as emergency replacement of medicines.

If you have a pre-existing medical condition, which may account for a lot of people travelling abroad with prescription medication, you need to declare it on your insurance form otherwise you risk invalidating your cover. This goes not only for existing illnesses but treatment you’ve had in the recent past, serious illnesses in your lifetime or if you’re waiting for operations or test results.

Compare travel insurance

Having the right travel insurance in place can give you protection and peace of mind that you’re financially protected if you lose your bags or get them stolen, miss your flight or are taken ill.